Cupcakes and Cashmere

Italian Honeymoon

January 9th, 2012

I can’t wait for our wedding. I’m ecstatic just thinking about the whole weekend – arriving in Mill Valley (and staying in a hotel there for the first time), celebrating with our closest family and friends, and leaving as a newly married couple. But I have to admit…I’m almost just as excited about the trip to immediately follow. Our honeymoon in Italy.

We’ll be there for twelve days and while we’ve narrowed down the general areas to visit (Rome, Florence, and several spots along the Italian Riviera), I would be so appreciative of any recommendations you can offer. I’ve never been to Italy (or Europe for that matter!) and would love to know about any quaint bed and breakfasts, family-owned restaurants, or special spots we simply can’t miss. Thank you in advance for your advice!

Image via

http://styleofsam.blogspot.com/ Samantha
EMILY!!!
That picture is of Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy. It’s absolutely AMAZING there! We stayed at La Torreta – House of Charm and Relax! This is the website: http://www.torrettas.com/. Besides the breathtaking views, the food is divine. You can even take cooking classes there where you pick the tomatoes, etc. for your dinner that evening. Cinque Terre is a magical place! If you have time, then you should really go there (or just visit and walk through the Tunnel of Love). Manorola is one of the more difficult cities to get to in Cinque Terre, but makes it worth it because you get to enjoy the city without so many tourist. I’m sure whatever you decide will be fabulous! I just wanted to let you know about the pic! (I saw that picture in an Italian restaurant in Austin, TX and we decided to go there! Such a memorable time!!)
xo, sam
Jenn
cinque terre (your photo) is amazing! it means 5 lands/towns and you can hike through all 5 towns and i have the most amazing photos from the hike.
paola
Hello,
I am from the Venice region…I’m gathering the right info and will write back to you.
Pala
Meghan Mallory
Best Gelato in ROME: Old Bridge and it is to the right of the Vatican if you are facing the front….large portions though, but its easy to share because you can get multiple flavors!
Amy
You’ve never been to Europe?! Sad times. Extend your trip immediately.
Pamela
When in Rome I highly recommend the restaurant “Alfredo e Ada” on Via dei Banchi Nuovi….it’s a husband and wife team and there is no menu, just what Ada felt like cooking that day! Also Matricianella on Via del Leone
http://sassysouthernliving.wordpress.com/ Lindsey Long
What a dream! I hope you have a fabulous time!
ashley
i just got home from a semester abroad in rome. you’re going to absolutely love it! i lived in trastevere where there are a ton of small cafes/bars. you’ll see a lot of locals there at night. you can find a lot of fun spots there, like a book shop that sells chocolate shots.
if you have time stop by tony’s, just off of piazza trilusa. it’s a local favorite and the food is phenomenal. dar poeta is a little touristy, but it has the best pizza. there’s always a line out the door, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
testaccio is another popular nightlife area. it’s a pretty young crowd, but there’s an amazing salsa club there if you want to try something a little different.
i traveled a lot while i was abroad, but capri was by far one of the most beautiful places i’ve ever seen. you can take a chair lift to anacapri, and the view is phenomenal.
wherever you end up, i know you’ll have an amazing time!
http://www.reneemcmahonphotography.com renee mcmahon
my husband and i went to italy on our honeymoon last year as well and had one of the best meals of our lives! if you do veture to Rome, go to Trattoria Da Gino at Vicolo Rossini 4, corner of Piazza del Parlamento. it’s very hard to find, has a discreetly lit sign and near very fancy shops and restaurants. Go there for the best Caccio e Peppe EVER. It’s a super local type spot.
i highly recommend making a reservation as they are very small and fill up quickly Tel. +39 06 6873434
my husband and i did not have a resevation, so the host and waiter gave us a quick look up and down and we were sat…luckily we were dressed to their standards …i will never forget that meal…
http://www.beautynthingsblog.com Mariana
I was just thinking of how I want to go back to Italy! I don’t have any cool recommendations (at least none that haven’t been mentioned) but enjoy!
http://www.beautynthingsblog.com
Cathy
I highly recommend a hotel in Rome, we stayed there 2 summers ago. Hotel Raphael in the Piazza Navona area (which by the way is a scene and hopping at night). But the hotel is on a VERY QUIET side street behind the Piazza. It’s a Relaix Chateau, the rooms are super modern but absolutely fantastic, Tempur Pedic beds with remote control moving the bed every which way! Service fantastic, fab view on the roof top bar. Check out their website. Have a wonderful time in my all time favorite country.
http://www.blessedlifeofahunterswife.com Summer
I went to Italy in ’07. My two favorite places were Capri and the blue grotto! I’ve been to Europe 5 times and these are the two most beautiful places I’ve been.
http://www.latavolamarche.blogspot.com eating in Italy
Congratulations!! Have you thought about a cooking class? Check out http://www.latavolamarche.com – La Tavola Marche is great – an organic farm, cooking school & stone farmhouse inn. Super peaceful, delicious food!
http://www.thenativelatourist.com Danielle
Not sure if someone else has already given this advice, but here are my tips…I know some of these are not in your itinerary, but maybe it will help you on another trip! We spent our honeymoon in Italy last March/April for 16 days and had a blast.
Milan: You MUST go to the Naviglio Grand Flea Market (off the Porto Genova Metro stop)! It takes place the last Sunday of the month and it’s AMAZING for vintage designer clothing, furniture, knick-knacks and pretty much everything.
Cinque Terre: If you plan on visiting, Dal Billy in Manarola is the best place for fresh seafood. We had the best meal of our trip there! I really recommend C.T. if you love hiking. It’s so beautiful and you really get a taste of small-town Italian life.
Florence: We stayed at the Dependance B&B San Lorenzo, a sort of sister hotel of Albergo San Giovanni. It’s right behind a church around the corner from the Duomo and Campanile, and right next to the leather district, where merchants set up their booths selling belts, shoes, designer-inspired bags. Their website is at: http://www.hotelsangiovanni.com/dependance_san_lorenzo_eng.htm
You should also take a bus up to Piazza Michelangelo, where you can see a replica of David (I believe it’s actually where he originally stood), as well as the best view of the entire city. Make sure you make reservations for the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries! You could easily do them in the morning & afternoon and it won’t be too overwhelming. If it’s not too busy they will even let you in before your RSVP time. We went on a Tuesday and it was a cinch.
Rome: Make sure you make enough time to visit the ancient city — If you’re into archeological sites, you’ll want to stay all day! I also recommend going to Parco Traiana, which right on the Colosseum’s north side. Go there right before sunset and you’ll get a great view of the Colosseum as the sun goes down. It’s a great place for a picnic or people-watching too. The Borghese Gallery (RSVP’s needed) is great to visit, and the park surrounding it is great for a stroll.
You should also go on a night walk from Campo de Fiore to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi. It’s so romantic and there are definitely not as many tourists there during the day; it’s mostly the nightlife crowd.
I hope this helps!!
http://tumblr.com/d8withdisney Hayley
Italy is everything people say it is. I went in 2009 and it was the most amazing trip that I have ever taken! I loved the culture, the language, the food, the people…everything. There is so much romance and history and beauty and you two will love it to say the least. Congrats!
http://bitsnbuggys.com Sheila
Congratulations in getting married.! I love the place so much were you will be spending your honeymoon. I hope you enjoy your time together in that wonderful place.
Melissa
Lake Como is absolutely beautiful, and the village of Laglio is tourist-free and very romantic (only known because George Clooney bought a place there). We stayed at Relais Villa Vittoria in July last year and had an amazing time. Intimate boutique hotel (12 rooms only) with direct access onto the lake and a beautifull decoracted and luxurious but simple poolside. You don’t want to leave! It feels like a home, not a hotel and gives you all the benefits of the Lake Como region, at your doorstep, without compromising the romance of the place with tourist overload. Check my review on tripadvisor (commecicommeca).
Emily
Cinque Terre is very beautiful if you want to walk or experience small towns, as well as Portofino and San Remo also in the Liguria region – which is famous for it’s pesto and Focaccia – amazing.
Florence is one of the most beautiful places and there is a lot to do culturally. You can also get a train (eurostar) from Florence to Venice which only takes a couple of hours and Venice, although very touristy, is quite an amazing place to experience!
http://nutriciomix.blogspot.com Daniele
Olá bela! Não deixe de ir ao Café Florian e Antico Martini, os dois em Veneza, em Florença tem um restaurante bem familiar e simples onde comemos a melhor comida italiana: Tavernetta della Signoria, muito bom! Prepare-se para ganhar uns quilinhos na Itália, a comida é muito boa!
http://www.ablondeandabrunetteblog.blogspot.com Laura
This will change your life:
In Florence, across the Ponte Vecchio there is a restaurant called Borgo Antico that has the. best. cheesecake. It is nothing like you’ve ever had in America I promise – the texture is so much softer. They make their own ricotta daily and it’s just to die for. I recommend the fruit but they also have it with chocolate – ask for it on the side and they give you more. ) Have fun!!
Kelli
I lived in Florence for 6 months last year, and you absolutely must visit Gusta Pizza on Via Maggio -the other side of the Arno (The BEST pizza that I have ever eaten… besides in Naples) and Perche No! -a local, homemade gelato shop. It is on Via Dei Tavolini, which is near Piazza della Repubblica. Try the fior di latte con miele e sesamo (cream w/ honey and sesame seeds).
Camille
Take a day trip to Cortona from Florence. You will not regret it.
http://impressionablejosh.blogspot.com Joshtyn Ann
Rome is my favourite city! Loved it there. Of course you should see all the regular touristy spots: Coloseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps, Pantheon (which you should visit as close to midday as possible in order to see the beauty they call The Eye of God), Roman forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican city including the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica (which is the most beautiful church in the world). Piazza Navona is a lovely square in Rome with artist, dancers, musicians, magicians etc – go there during the day or evening, it is always lively. The best pizza I have ever had was in Rome http://www.pizzeriabaffetto.it/. It is a favourite amongst locals and it is not unusual to find a long queue outside. You will find the restaurant on a side street just off Navona Square. And do see David in Florence. He will take your breathe away.
Hope you have an amazing honeymoon and a wonderful wedding. Congratulations
Katie
If you go to Florence, you must eat at Cafe ZaZa. The White Truffle Ravioli is the most delicious thing on earth! Also Cinque Terre is beautiful and I would definitely recommend spending a day at the beach at the last of the five towns in addition to the day of hiking.
http://www.spotlightaccessories.com Jasmine
Rome is the place i want to go to. It is a very beautiful place. I want to go other places because I want also to buy accessories coming from different places in the world as my collection. I love it!
http://www.contexttravel.com Petulia
Congratulations! And thank you to all the readers who recommended Context Travel walks. We will be happy to help you with trip planning and activities in Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast. All the best, Petulia from Context Travel
http://retailmenot.com Sloane
Rent a boat in Capri and spend the day driving around, eat lunch in Capri, get a kiss under the arch (good luck for a happy marriage). I can’t go to Italy without visiting Capri. Eat at Sophia Loren’s restaurant, Ristorante Donna Sofia, it is very beautiful and romantic, and the food is great. They will pick you up and drive you home for free. Definitely one of my favorite places to eat. Go to Florence, shop in the street markets, take a walk around the city for beautiful views, visit the Duomo. Positano (Amalfi Coast) is extremely beautiful and the hotel, Le Sirenuse, is incredible. Rome is definitely worth visiting but I would only spend a few days there. Lake Como is amazing, rent a boat and check out the incredible houses on the water, maybe you’ll see George Clooney or Donatella Versace out in their yards. The Villa d’Este is a great hotel on the water. No matter what you do, you will have an incredible trip. Italy is such an amazing place its impossible not to fall in love.
http://www.illavoroitaliano.blogspot.com CMBH
My blog is about the year I lived in Italy. I think the places you have chosen will be perfect. Whoever said the Amalfi coast is over rated is wrong, you can explore it at your own pace and there are lots of hidden gems. In bocca del lupo (good luck in Italian) x
http://www.twitter.com/eugem Gem
Do not leave Italy without eating Cacio e Pepe.
http://www.twitter.com/eugem Gem
I forgot to mention that Il Doumo in Florence is worth the 463 steps hike (no elevator). You get a 360 deg view of Florence and the Tuscan Hills. Have fun!
Anna
I’m currently living in Milan. I hope you will enjoy Italy as much as I do! Town on this photo is in Cinque Terre (I’m sure you know it), if you’re planning to visit it go to restaurant in Manarola named “Il porticcilo”. It’s the best! Home made past with lobster is absolutely delicious! Enjoy!
Eunice
You have to go to the Cinque Terre! It’s so beautiful there.
Juliana
Hi Emily! I’m from Brazil and I’ve just found your lovely blog.
If you like ice cream, you can’t miss San Crispino and Giollitti in Rome.
If you are planning to visit Musei Vaticani, you’d better buy the tickets online, to avoid a huge line.
In Rome I stayed at 4star Fortyseven Hotel, it’s near Colosseo and I truly recommend it.
I don’t know if the weather will be hot, but I have to say that women just can’t go inside churches wearing either shorts or shirts without sleeves.
Have a nice trip!
Anna
You absolutely MUST stop at Ravello! It was my favorite town along the Amalfi Coast.
Jessica
I studied abroad this past summer in Florence, Italy and had the absolute best time of my life! Florence is breathtaking and you have to make sure you climb Piazzale de Michelangelo and watch the sunset over the city. This was always the highlight of my day! Take wine and cheese and see the whole city as the sun sets. I loved just getting lost in the cobble stoned alley ways during the day and coming across cute vintage shops and new gelaterias! A few of my favorite places to eat in Florence were Zaza’s and Acqua al 2. Grom was my favorite Gelato! I also visited Rome and my advice would be to wear comfortable shoes! Make sure to see the Vatican and of coarse, the coliseum. Capri is a do not miss!!!! Take the chair lift to the highest point of the island! Also, take a private boat tour around the whole island and stop to swim in some of the grottos! Cinque Terre is also a very beautiful place to visit. We hiked through all of the five villages. Venice is amazing and wish I could have spend more time here! Don’t forgot to take a gondola ride! Chianti is an amazing place to go and do lunch and wine tastings. One place that I did not get to go that I regret is Lake Como. I wanted to go so bad but time did not allow it. I heard it was amazing though. Good luck and have so much fun!
Fiorenza
please!!!! come to capri! you will not regret it!! i’m from naples and i can suggest you to see positano and capri! you’ll be breathless!
lachambrefiore.blogspot.com
Bisou
Fiorenza
Ariel
you must must must visit lake como! Sourounding it are little cities that are breathtaking and all the streets are cobble stone, the lake there is so spectacular that everytime i looked at it my breath was taken away. While your there make sure you visit Bellagio! Its one of the little towns, everything there is owned by individuals. Please make sure you stop for the day it would make your honeymoon all the more special!
laura
Italy is beautiful! When I went there, my family and I stayed here : http://www.iesolana.it/ in the Tuscany region. Absolutely beautiful. Super quaint, you have your own pool and we rented a car to drive into town. It was nice to have a relaxing place to stay but also do day trips to Florence, San Gimginganio and Pisa. You should look into it!
http://www.spotlightaccessories.com Jasmine
Somewhere in Philippines is also a great place to have a honeymoon, Puerta Princessa is one of the best in Palawan and it is included in the 7 Wonders of the World.
http://www.thecofeeexperiment.com Elizabeth
ITALY! I’ve spent so much time in Italy….mainly Rome, which is my favorite city — besides Naples — in all of Italy, mainly because of its raw and natural energy. Florence is very refined and beautiful, and the fashion is, of course, outstanding. I’m not even trying to promote my blog, BUT, I’ve written extensively about Italy, coffee and food — and I love guiding people through my favorite country! So check it out for suggestions, and enjoy the beautiful Italian way of life (and pastries…sfogliatelle, cornetti for breakfast, cappuccinos to die for! oh my!!!). Very excited for you!
http://www.galapril.com Anna April
I went around Cinqueterre past year, and it is one of the most beautiful places. Also “nearby” – in Toscana, you’ll find a very old city named Lucca, which is really beautiful
Jen
Life doesn’t get any better than Le Sirenuse in Positano! We just stayed here for our honeymoon last June and it was the most decadent and beautiful place I have ever been – amazing food (best breakfast award of our 3 week trip), superior service and beyond relaxing. If you can, splurge for an ocean view room. We ordered in room service one night and they set up our balcony like it was our own private restaurant. It is pricey but worth every penny!
http://conigliogiallo.blogspot.com/ Cristina
In Florence you could stay in this lovely shabby chic b&b:
http://www.valdirose.com/
This is the owner’s blog:
http://valdirose.blogspot.com/
Ciao from Italy!
http://www.spotlightaccessories.com Fashion
In the Philippines one island are now listed as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Palawan Underground River.. and lots of couple visited there and had their honeymoon.. I is a very nice place indeed.
Claudia
go to the restaurant ‘toto’ in Rome, Via delle carrozze
they have the most amazing porcini with fettucine…it’s gorgeous and tucked away and the waitors are beautiful!
Ludivine
how exciting! And I have a little recommendation for brunching in Florence:
http://www.labeppafioraia.it/
its a little off the beaten path but still just a little walk away from the center – and you should eat their big starter sharing platters : meats, breads, cheeses…. its phenomenal. and you can also share a big chunk of amazing steak. (its mouthwatering)
enjoy! hope you go!
Carmen Pines
you must visit Capri is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been!! is off the coast of Naples about 45 min on a boat the views are simply stunning
Alison
I see a lot of posts about staying in and around just the main well known Italian cities. My fiance is Sicilian, I would suggest taking a boat to spend two or three days in Sicily.
Emily
Must go to the Vatican for the Sistene Chapel and the School of Athens! Unreal! And St. Peter’s for the Pieta. Congratulations and have so much fun.
http://www.spotlightaccessories.com Fashion Accessories
One of the best place i want to visit is Parish coz i’ve seen on tv that Paris is one of the most beautiful place in the world. Wish to go there